McCarter Theatre Commission Wins Best Play at Tony Awards

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, a comedy by Christopher Durang that has its world premiere in Princeton, won this year’s Tony Award for best play.

The play was nominated for six Tony Awards. Durang and McCarter Artistic Director Emily Man accepted the award for best play last night on behalf of the Broadway producers and McCarter’s producing partner, Lincoln Center Theatre.

A McCarter Theatre commission and a recipient of the Edgerton Foundation New American Plays award, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike had its world premiere at McCarter Theatre, September 7 through October 14, 2012. Through McCarter’s New Play Development Program, Artistic Director Emily Mann and McCarter’s artistic staff provided Durang with several readings and ongoing support that allowed him to refine his play. McCarter’s efforts in developing the world premiere led to a co-production with Lincoln Center Theater. The production, with the same cast and creative team that launched the play at McCarter, is now playing on Broadway at the Golden Theatre.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Emily Mann and Managing Director Timothy J. Shields, McCarter Theatre Center is recognized as one of the nation’s premier theater companies. McCarter is supported by Princeton University, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and over 3,000 individuals, corporations, and foundations.